🏔️Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL)
The KGL is India's most celebrated multi-day alpine trek — 60+ km crossing 7 lakes above 3,800 m in 7 days. Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangabal and more. The route crosses Sonamarg and ends at Naranag.
🏔️ June–September trekking window — early booking discounts active
ADVENTURE2k+
Trek into alpine Kashmir
Kashmir Great Lakes • Tarsar Marsar • Aru Valley • Lidderwat Camps
3 Trek OptionsPahalgam / Sonamarg Base3,800+ m Alpine LakesCertified GuidesJun – Sep
2k+4.9 from 500+ travellers on this trip last season
PLAN YOUR TRIP
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⛺ Wilderness Camp Nights7 Alpine Lakes (KGL)💧 Tarsar & Marsar Lakes🌿 Aru Valley Base Camp🦶 All Fitness Levels Welcomed⛺ Wilderness Camp Nights7 Alpine Lakes (KGL)💧 Tarsar & Marsar Lakes🌿 Aru Valley Base Camp🦶 All Fitness Levels Welcomed
3,800+m
Highest lake elevation
7alpine lakes
On the KGL route
60+km
KGL total distance
WHY THIS TRIP
Three Treks, One Valley
🏔️💧Tarsar & Marsar Lakes
Two twin alpine lakes at 3,800 m above Pahalgam. The 5-day Tarsar Marsar trek starts from Aru Valley, climbs through Lidderwat camp and reaches the lakes via a 4,200 m pass. Smaller groups, more intimate than KGL.
🌿Aru Valley to Lidderwat
For first-time trekkers — a 3-day route from Aru Valley (12 km from Pahalgam) to the Lidderwat alpine camp at 3,300 m. Dense forest, open meadows, trout streams. No technical passes. Perfect introduction to Himalayan camping.
⛺Wilderness Camp Nights
Every trek includes nights in pitched tents at alpine campsites where no buildings exist within 10 km. Sleeping at 3,500+ m with a clear sky above is the part guests remember longest.
🦶Certified Local Guides
All our trek leaders are certified by the Jammu & Kashmir Institute of Mountaineering and Hiking (JK-IMH). They carry first aid kits, satellite phones and oxygen for every trek above 3,500 m.
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
What the Trail Offers
Alpine lake swimming (Vishansar, 3,810 m)
Campfire cooking in the wilderness
Milky Way photography at altitude
Wildlife spotting — Himalayan brown bear, marmots
THE PLAN
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek — Flagship Route
1
Day 1 — Srinagar → Sonamarg Base Camp (2,800 m)
Drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg (87 km, 2 hrs). Gear check, trek briefing, acclimatisation walk in the Sonamarg meadow. First camp night at base. Trek leader reviews fitness levels and distributes porter loads.
2
Day 2 — Sonamarg → Nichnai Camp (2,985 m) | 12 km, 5–6 hrs
First day on trail. The path leaves Sonamarg and climbs steeply through pine forest before opening onto wide meadows above the treeline. Nichnai camp sits above a glacial stream with views of the first peaks of the route.
3
Day 3 — Nichnai → Vishansar Lake (3,810 m) | 13 km, 6–7 hrs
The route crosses the Nichnai Pass (4,100 m) before descending to Vishansar Lake — the first and arguably most beautiful of the seven KGL lakes. Camp on the lakeshore. Optional swim in the glacial water for the brave.
4
Day 4 — Vishansar → Krishansar → Gadsar Lake | 14 km, 7–8 hrs
The most demanding day of the KGL. Cross from Vishansar to Krishansar Lake (3,800 m) — the two lakes sit in the same glacial bowl. Cross the Gadsar Pass (4,200 m — the highest point on the route) before descending to Gadsar Lake camp. Epic high-altitude day.
5
Day 5 — Gadsar → Satsar Lakes Camp | 11 km, 5 hrs
A relatively gentle day — the route passes through the Satsar plateau where seven small tarns are scattered across a wide grassland. Camp at the largest Satsar lake. Afternoon free for photography and rest.
6
Day 6 — Satsar → Gangabal Lake (3,570 m) | 11 km, 5 hrs
The last great lake of the KGL. Gangabal is the largest alpine lake in Kashmir — 2 km long, deep blue, ringed by moraines with Haramukh peak (5,142 m) reflected on its surface. Last camp night on the route.
7
Day 7 — Gangabal → Naranag → Srinagar (descent & drive)
Final descent from Gangabal to Naranag (12 km, 4–5 hrs). Drive from Naranag back to Srinagar (55 km, 1.5 hrs). Trek complete. Certificate issued to all finishers.
SIMPLE PRICING
Pick how you want to travel
Lock your seat with just 10% advance · Balance 7 days before departure
Beginner
Aru–Lidderwat
3 days | Aru to Lidderwat camp
₹14,999₹17,999/person
- 2N alpine camping
- All meals on trail
- Porter service (10 kg/person)
- Certified guide
- First aid + safety kit
Intermediate
Tarsar Marsar
5 days | Aru → Tarsar → Marsar
₹22,999₹26,999/person
- 4N alpine camping
- All meals
- Porter (15 kg/person)
- Certified guide + assistant
- Satellite phone + oxygen
Flagship
KGL Trek
7 days | Sonamarg → Naranag
₹32,999₹38,999/person
- 6N alpine camping
- All meals
- Porter (15 kg/person)
- Certified lead guide + 2 assistants
- Satellite phone + oxygen + medical kit
- KGL finisher certificate
Easy EMI Available
FIXED DEPARTURES
Upcoming batches
DATESSEATS LEFTPRICE / PERSON
Need different dates or a private batch? Talk to us — we run custom departures for groups of 4+.
What's Included
- All nights in double-tent camp setup (sleeping bag, mat, inner liner provided)
- All meals on trail — breakfast, hot lunch, dinner cooked by camp cook
- Porter service for shared gear and camp equipment
- Certified trek leader (JK-IMH certified)
- First aid kit, oxygen cylinder and emergency evacuation plan
- Satellite phone for emergency communication
- Srinagar pickup and drop (Sonamarg / Pahalgam as applicable)
- KGL finisher certificate for KGL trek guests
- Forest department trek permits
Not Included
- Personal trekking gear — boots, poles, rain gear, warm layers (rental available on request)
- Travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover (mandatory)
- Personal porter for personal luggage above the included weight limit
- Any meals before or after the trek in Srinagar
- Tips for guides and porters (customary, at your discretion)
Trek FAQs
Do I need prior trekking experience for the KGL?
The KGL is rated Moderate-Difficult. You need to be able to walk 10–14 km per day with a daypack (5–7 kg) and be comfortable at altitudes up to 4,200 m. Prior Himalayan trekking experience helps but is not mandatory — we have taken first-timers who were physically fit and well-prepared. The Aru–Lidderwat trek is the right entry-level route if you are new to alpine camping.
What fitness level do I need for these treks?
Aru–Lidderwat: Can walk 8 km/day comfortably. Tarsar Marsar: Regular exercise, comfortable at altitude. KGL: Trail running or regular long hikes. We recommend 4–6 weeks of cardio training before the KGL. Share your fitness background when booking and we will advise.
What is the weather like on the trail in July and August?
July and August are the driest months on the KGL route — daytime temperatures range from 10–22°C on the trail and drop to 0–5°C at camp at night. Occasional afternoon rain is possible; your rain gear is essential. The Tarsar Marsar route can have hail. September is colder (0°C at night) but very clear and less crowded.
Can we see wildlife on these treks?
Yes. Himalayan marmots are common above 3,500 m and very photogenic. Brown bear sightings are rare but possible on the KGL route between Vishansar and Gadsar — your guide carries a whistle and knows the protocol. Snow leopard tracks have been recorded near Tarsar but a sighting would be extraordinary luck.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
Our guides monitor guests for altitude sickness symptoms daily. If someone shows serious symptoms (severe headache, vomiting, confusion), we descend immediately — no exceptions. We carry dexamethasone injection and portable oxygen on all treks above 3,500 m. The decision to descend is made by the guide, not the guest.
Which Trek Is Calling You?
Certified guides, all camping gear provided, group sizes capped for safety.
30% advance to reserve spot. Balance due 10 days before departure.
From
₹14,999 /person